Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The Haves and the Have-Knots

Business for massage therapy has been a little slow lately, but I'm not worried. That's what I told someone today at the fitness center where I have my practice. It's summer vacation time, and the massage business has its ups-and-downs like any other business. Will it ever be perfect, you think? My "practice"? I hope not. It should always be unfolding, and I should always be learning something new. That's what I told someone else I met today who is still a massage student. She is hoping to make a decent, maybe even good living as a therapist. I encouraged her to not be discouraged if it takes a while to get to that point.

Curled-up Black-eyed Susan waiting to unfold

Even with the economy being depressed and many people out of work, there are still the "haves" who "have knots"--in their necks, their backs, their shoulders....By "haves" I don't mean people with more money than they know what to do with. I'm not personally acquainted with any "1%-ers," whatever that means. Around here, the people with money to spend came by it honestly. They've had to work hard for it, which explains the knots.

Francis Bacon had some wise words to impart concerning wealth, among other things, and he paid close attention to what other wise men before him had written. Wouldn't it be nice if policy-makers making decisions that affect other people's wealth would follow suit?

"...as Solomon saith: 'Riches are as a stronghold in the imagination of the rich man;' but this is excellently expressed, that it is in imagination and not always in fact; for, certainly, great riches have sold more men than they have bought out. Seek not proud riches, but such as thou mayest get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly; yet have no abstract nor friarly contempt of them, but distinguish, as Cicero saith well of Rabirius Posthumus:

14 comments:

This is an interesting post as I have always been interested in massage therapy. I regularly (twice a month) go get a massage and truly it works!! What I get is called "Lymph massage" which I'm afraid is not the right English term. In March I had a terrible neck and shoulder pain due to some hardwork. I'd spent many hours using my computer. I knew it was not good for health but I couldn't help it. I went to a hotspring and it worked, however, I cannot visit hotspring spas frequently, so I go get a massage. I believe that massage business is very promising because millions of people around the world now use computers and with the increase in the use of computers, problems have also increased. For me, my massage therapist is an angel!! She always heals me and refreshes me. Good luck with your busines!! Massage therapy is very helpful for those who have problems with muscles and so on!!

Sapphire's comment is very nice. Massage therapists surely do have their work cut out for them. I never thought about the computer angle but it makes sense. Good luck with your biz it'll work out fine.

Hi w2w,You always put a twist on titles. That's so interesting!I am neither "the haves" nor "the have knots"(so far, knock on wood) but who knows when I need the massage therapy. It must be more to it than that.Have a lovely week ahead!

Good to hear that your practice hasn't been affected too badly; as you say, people will always have aches and pains and need some help.

I often listen to a local radio talk show in the mornings while I'm doing housework or laundry; I catch up on what's going on around town, even though some of the frequent callers infuriate me with their opinionated comments. One of the things that has struck me in the past year or two is what seems to be a growing class divide. I know I'm guilty, too, sometimes of being envious of the wealthy and having a disdain for big business. But if I interpret Bacon's quote correctly, I agree--I don't have any problem with those who have worked hard to achieve their success. It's the ones (individuals or businesses) who have gotten their wealth by being greedy or stepping on others that I have no respect for.

I love your puns in this post! Being a message therapist must be a rewarding career since your efforts ease the pain of others. I have back problems, but happily my husband's health insurance pays for twice monthly massages. I've been seeing the same massage therapist for 14 years.

The Saint and I had our first massage while on a beach in Mexico! It was the most relaxed I have ever been in my life. We still talk about that wonderful feeling. I could go for a massage now as I spent most of the day sitting in front of the computer yesterday. My neck is so darn sore and here I am at it again today. Self inflicted Knots for sure...

Dear Walk2write, thank you for an interesting post! Hans gets a lot of massages etc at the moment - a blessing. And I see the German Health system with new eyes: they care, for everybody, and though there are differences between private and common patients, the really necessary treatments are paid for everyone. The nice room one has as a private patient is - nice - but doesn't really matter. Good luck to your important business!

Thanks, Sapphire, for your comment. You may be right about the term you mentioned. Lymphatic circulation depends on pressure, and massage is an excellent way to facilitate it. I think you're right about the use of computers. I notice a lot more tension in my back, neck, and shoulders when I spend too much time at it. It's wonderful that you have found such a great therapist. I hope you spread the good news about her!

Thanks, Tina. Maybe I should write a book for people who get "computer" knots in their muscles. I've experienced it from both sides now. Been there, done that, felt it.

Cosmos, thanks for making that point. Massage isn't just for pain relief. More people need it for relaxation than anything. That's what helps the most for the pain relief.

Rose, I think you're right on with the Bacon interpretation. You can imagine how carefully he had to choose his words back then. People think we have too much political correctness now. It was way more important to be PC back then. A person could lose his head or be thrown in the Tower for being too opinionated or for not being PC in Bacon's day.

Stratoz, self-care is of the utmost importance for anyone, especially a therapist. Stretching several times daily, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular massage too. I don't always practice what I preach.

It is a rewarding career, Sarah. I'm glad you liked the post and that you have such a wonderful therapist. You're the kind of client every therapist dreams about--happy with the results and long-term.

Skeeter, if I ever get to visit you and your garden, I will gladly work on you, in the garden if you like. I've always thought that a garden would be the ideal place to give and receive a massage, weather permitting of course.

RGB, I'm glad you liked the post and that you're back to blogging.

Britta, it's wonderful that your healthcare system takes a holistic approach. If only ours would. Maybe someday it will again. I'm happy that your husband is recovering.

Hi Walk2Write - what a lovely career to be following .. therapists provided much for my mother in her stroked state - I considered myself lucky to have found some wonderful people - one who became my mother's 2nd daughter (almost!) ..

The summer months provide alternatives for people, as well as vacationing times ..

Old ones will return and new clients will appear ... enjoy the summer in the meantime .. Hilary

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